Now that you've graduated, please DO color outside the lines...

Not likely something you heard from any of your educators at any stage of your academic development (unless maybe it was an art instructor) and still not something encouraged by all employers. but let's examine why it's relevant to your professional pursuits.

A recent article based on a study of preschoolers and pedagogy, and I'm paraphrasing loosely, has it that kids today have far more formal education starting much earlier than at any other time in history but with a lesser ability to problem-solve and learn new things unless directly being taught by someone through specific instruction. The article was in favor of removing the idea of curriculum and structure for preschoolers and giving kids the chance to experience the world and learn instead through play and interaction with other kids.  Those silly underachievers! ;)  Seriously though, the gist is we're more educated  than at any other time in history, but not necessarily  better educated; especially if you find value in perspectives other than those offered by professors/educators and textbooks.

No, I'm not suggesting skipping high school and college or even kindergarten!  I'm suggesting trying new things and exploring new approaches that interest you even if they don't come easy or aren't necessarily convenient.  I'm suggesting embracing life as a learning opportunity.  I'm saying, don't wait to be taught something new.  Reach out, stretch out if necessary, and learn something new if for no other reason than that it isn't something you already know!

Plenty of crossword puzzle finishers on this planet already.  Do yourself, mayhap your career, a favor and be the person with enough confidence in their problem-solving to actually start one...vinny